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Chasing Invisible
Could you handle life in the spotlight?
Julia Alexander is a quiet girl from a small town. Content to spend her days with her small group of friends and a pile of books, Julia thinks her future is set. When she unexpectedly meets Chase, a fellow college student and budding musician, she is unaware of just how drastically things are about to change.
Suddenly thrown into the limelight, her life is no longer her own. Relentlessly followed by the paparazzi, Julia is forced to make tough decisions about fame, love, family, and relationships. But just how much will Julia have to sacrifice to become invisible...
Julia Alexander is a quiet girl from a small town. Content to spend her days with her small group of friends and a pile of books, Julia thinks her future is set. When she unexpectedly meets Chase, a fellow college student and budding musician, she is unaware of just how drastically things are about to change.
Suddenly thrown into the limelight, her life is no longer her own. Relentlessly followed by the paparazzi, Julia is forced to make tough decisions about fame, love, family, and relationships. But just how much will Julia have to sacrifice to become invisible...
- GenresFiction
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2013
104 people want to read
About the author
Karen Pokras Toz
17 books318 followersKaren Pokras is a writer, daisy lover, and occasional baker who will definitely begin playing the piano tomorrow. Always an avid reader, Karen found her passion for writing later in life and now runs all of her stories past the furry ears of her two feline editorial assistants before anyone else. A numbers geek at heart, she enjoys a good spreadsheet almost as much as she loves storytelling. Karen writes under both Karen Pokras and Karen Pokras Toz. A native of Connecticut, Karen is the proud mom to three brilliant children who still provide an endless stream of great book material. She lives with her family outside of Philadelphia.. For more information, please visit www.karentoz.com and www.karenpokras.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 20, 2013
I received a full sample copy of Chasing Invisible for the purpose of this review. I finished it in just two days. The story drew me and wouldn't let go. I thought I understood the difficulty of being a celebrity, but I never really grasped how much of a toll it would take on the loved ones of a celebrity... the sacrifices they would have to make. I am keeping this review brief, because I don't want to give anything away. I will say, days later the ending is still haunting me.
April 25, 2013
Words can not describe how amazing I found this book. I ate it up, reading through the whole thing and coming back to re-read. The reader just needs to know what happens to Julia. The author has a great way of writing and pulling the reader in. A true 5 star book, if not more. Amazing!!
January 18, 2015
I finished it at lunch time, but I couldn't stop thinking about the book. The ending totally shocked me. First, I thought it was totally out of character but the more that I've thought about it I think maybe not. A great book for book clubs.
July 6, 2013
Julia Alexander has immersed herself in books of every kind ever since she was a child, much to her parents chagrin. She can't help herself in doing so. Books are a passion of hers she can't let go. She's tried to make her parents and friends understand her passion, yet they can't seem to grasp the concept of it. Never-the-less, she's determined to hold fast to who she is as well as to her own beliefs.
Determined to make the most of her college experience, Julia sees it as a chance to gain her independence. She's tired of her parents hounding her at every turn, most especially her mother. Her father has tried to be as supportive of her as possible, but he still holds fast to her mother's desires. In her mind, she'll be able to live her life the way she sees fit now that's she's off to college.
Yet she soon comes to the realization that some things never change. Most especially when her mother does her best to incorporate herself into every aspect of her life. A chance encounter with the beautiful and enigmatic Chase soon changes everything. Chase is determined to show her just how much she's come to mean to him. Julia refuses to give him the time of day. She's afraid he'll hurt her the way a crush from long ago hurt her in more ways than one. When her defenses start to crumble, and Chase finds his way into her heart, she comes to the realization that sometimes it's better to go with the flow rather than to ignore it.
Caught up in a whirlwind romance, Julia starts to wonder how things will eventually turn out. She and Chase are as different as night and day. He's also a budding musician, one who seems to be climbing the charts faster than anyone could have imagined. Never-the-less, she's willing to give their relationship a shot. For awhile things are going hunky-dory, but even all good things come to an end.
As Chase's fame continues to grow, she's thrown into the limelight against her better judgment. Every aspect of her life is dissected and scrutinized by people she doesn't know. Deep inside, Julia knows that such things come with the territory. She's the girlfriend of a successful rockstar, after all. Unforfunately, it's not long before her boyfriend's fast and wild life starts taking its toll on her. If they're to succeed at making things work, they'll need to trust one another in order to get through the storm that's heading their way. The question is, how can they do that when everyone they know are intent on pulling each of them in different directions from the get-go?
This was honestly a very heart-warming story. I think Karen captured Julia's insecurities and choices of the heart quite beautifully. She shows us a girl who is determined to be who she wants to be, yet she's overshadowed by her parents wishes to be what and how they think she should be. Julia is determined to set herself apart from the life she's lived. In her mind, college is her way of doing so. Sadly, some things never change.
We get to learn about Julia's past and present life as well as the tumultuous relationship that takes her by storm with every turn of the page. Sometimes, things might seem out of reach, and we flounder about in trying to decipher what's best for us. Other times, what we want and need is right in front of our eyes. We just don't see what we should be seeing, then and there. Chasing Invisible is a story that will tug at your heart, and take you for a memorable ride, one you'll never forget by the time you get to the very end. It's a book I enjoyed immensely, and will definitely read again soon.
Determined to make the most of her college experience, Julia sees it as a chance to gain her independence. She's tired of her parents hounding her at every turn, most especially her mother. Her father has tried to be as supportive of her as possible, but he still holds fast to her mother's desires. In her mind, she'll be able to live her life the way she sees fit now that's she's off to college.
Yet she soon comes to the realization that some things never change. Most especially when her mother does her best to incorporate herself into every aspect of her life. A chance encounter with the beautiful and enigmatic Chase soon changes everything. Chase is determined to show her just how much she's come to mean to him. Julia refuses to give him the time of day. She's afraid he'll hurt her the way a crush from long ago hurt her in more ways than one. When her defenses start to crumble, and Chase finds his way into her heart, she comes to the realization that sometimes it's better to go with the flow rather than to ignore it.
Caught up in a whirlwind romance, Julia starts to wonder how things will eventually turn out. She and Chase are as different as night and day. He's also a budding musician, one who seems to be climbing the charts faster than anyone could have imagined. Never-the-less, she's willing to give their relationship a shot. For awhile things are going hunky-dory, but even all good things come to an end.
As Chase's fame continues to grow, she's thrown into the limelight against her better judgment. Every aspect of her life is dissected and scrutinized by people she doesn't know. Deep inside, Julia knows that such things come with the territory. She's the girlfriend of a successful rockstar, after all. Unforfunately, it's not long before her boyfriend's fast and wild life starts taking its toll on her. If they're to succeed at making things work, they'll need to trust one another in order to get through the storm that's heading their way. The question is, how can they do that when everyone they know are intent on pulling each of them in different directions from the get-go?
This was honestly a very heart-warming story. I think Karen captured Julia's insecurities and choices of the heart quite beautifully. She shows us a girl who is determined to be who she wants to be, yet she's overshadowed by her parents wishes to be what and how they think she should be. Julia is determined to set herself apart from the life she's lived. In her mind, college is her way of doing so. Sadly, some things never change.
We get to learn about Julia's past and present life as well as the tumultuous relationship that takes her by storm with every turn of the page. Sometimes, things might seem out of reach, and we flounder about in trying to decipher what's best for us. Other times, what we want and need is right in front of our eyes. We just don't see what we should be seeing, then and there. Chasing Invisible is a story that will tug at your heart, and take you for a memorable ride, one you'll never forget by the time you get to the very end. It's a book I enjoyed immensely, and will definitely read again soon.
June 21, 2013
Although this is a new genre for Karen, you certainly could not tell. Karen has a way with words that pulls you in and never lets you go. One of the biggest things that I loved about Chasing Invisible was that I could see Karen in Julia in certain ways. Her love for books and desire to help get books out to everyone. For me, it just connected me to Julia all the more.
I have to admit that at first I did not care for the back and forth in the timeline. It wasn't until all the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place that I understood the back and forth in time. Of course had Karen written every detail of Julia's life, not only would have taken forever to read, I'm sure it would have just been to much and likely boring. However, Karen was able to add just enough details of Julia's past to make us understand why Julia was so hesitant to date, as well as an understanding of her relationship with her parents.
All Julia's life she has poured herself into books and her studies. Her Mother doesn't seem to understand her, and is always telling her how she should be living her life. Her Father on the other hand always has the right words for her.
When Julia comes home from college for Christmas break her friends, Mother and Father all have words of advise on how she should be enjoying college. Julia tells them she is enjoying college and goes on about how she loves all her classes. Her Father tells her there is more to studying all the time. That she needs to get out, make friends and have fun.
When Julia's friend Robyn, who she meet in her junior year of college, invites her out to listen to a band, she is hesitant. After some begging she finally gives in but just for a few hours, or so she thinks. Robyn drags her to an after party so she can hang out with one of the band members that she has a crush on. When Julia steps outside to get some fresh air she runs into another band member Chase.
The weeks following Chase is outside almost everyone of Julia's classes, always asking her out. After several failed attempts Julia finally gives in. It isn't long after Chase and Julia are in a serious relationship when his friend sends a tape of his song to a producer. Chase quickly climbs the ladder to stardom and Julia's private life is no longer so private. Will she be able to handle to paparazzi constantly hounding her every move? Can she accept that they will do anything to get a picture of her children? Can she protect them? Will she ever be able to be invisible again? If so, to what length must she go to get out of the limelight?
WARNING: The end is a real tear jerker so have the tissues on hand!
I have to admit that at first I did not care for the back and forth in the timeline. It wasn't until all the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place that I understood the back and forth in time. Of course had Karen written every detail of Julia's life, not only would have taken forever to read, I'm sure it would have just been to much and likely boring. However, Karen was able to add just enough details of Julia's past to make us understand why Julia was so hesitant to date, as well as an understanding of her relationship with her parents.
All Julia's life she has poured herself into books and her studies. Her Mother doesn't seem to understand her, and is always telling her how she should be living her life. Her Father on the other hand always has the right words for her.
When Julia comes home from college for Christmas break her friends, Mother and Father all have words of advise on how she should be enjoying college. Julia tells them she is enjoying college and goes on about how she loves all her classes. Her Father tells her there is more to studying all the time. That she needs to get out, make friends and have fun.
When Julia's friend Robyn, who she meet in her junior year of college, invites her out to listen to a band, she is hesitant. After some begging she finally gives in but just for a few hours, or so she thinks. Robyn drags her to an after party so she can hang out with one of the band members that she has a crush on. When Julia steps outside to get some fresh air she runs into another band member Chase.
The weeks following Chase is outside almost everyone of Julia's classes, always asking her out. After several failed attempts Julia finally gives in. It isn't long after Chase and Julia are in a serious relationship when his friend sends a tape of his song to a producer. Chase quickly climbs the ladder to stardom and Julia's private life is no longer so private. Will she be able to handle to paparazzi constantly hounding her every move? Can she accept that they will do anything to get a picture of her children? Can she protect them? Will she ever be able to be invisible again? If so, to what length must she go to get out of the limelight?
WARNING: The end is a real tear jerker so have the tissues on hand!
September 30, 2013
Chasing Invisible is the amazing story of Julia and Chase and their rollercoaster ride through the social limelight.
Julia is a quiet girl who is more than happy to keep to herself, blocking out the distractions of the world. When she meets Chase, however, her bubble of solitude bursts. Chase is the lead singer of a band. They meet at an after party Julia's friend drags her to and there is an instant connection. Although Julia tries her best to ignore Chase and his advances, his charm wins her over in the end. When Chase writes a song for Julia, neither of them could possibly imagine what it will lead to. The song catches the attention of a music producer, sending their lives into a flurry of media attention. Julia never wanted a life of recognition, but her love for Chase is stronger than her need for privacy. Eventually, the positive press they receive turns into a tirade of lies that test their emotional strength. The paparazzi are unyielding in their quest to dig up the next story, constantly putting their own harmful spin on even the most mundane details of their lives. The out of control media turns a business trip into an escape from spousal abuse, and a mother fearing for her children's safety into a reckless drinking binge. Their children are dragged into the lies and rumors, as well.
Without giving too much away, the ending is something the reader will not be disappointed with. I was completely satisfied and really thought it was a fitting ending. It is the epitome of sacrifice and shows Julia's utter desperation to end the vicious circle of deceit. The lengths she is willing to leap to keep her family safe and out of the harmful world of gossip is not only inspiring, but heartbreaking as well.
Karen Pokras Toz has a wonderful writing style that draws the reader in instantly. She does such a fantastic job completely wrapping you up in the chaotic lives of both Julia and Chase, that you can't help but sympathize with them. I went on every emotional up and down that these characters went on. The story as a whole also makes you think of just how corrupt the media really is. They have the power to spin any story into a total fabrication of the truth, and to potentially destroy innocent lives.
This is a great book written by a great author and I would recommend it in a heartbeat!
Julia is a quiet girl who is more than happy to keep to herself, blocking out the distractions of the world. When she meets Chase, however, her bubble of solitude bursts. Chase is the lead singer of a band. They meet at an after party Julia's friend drags her to and there is an instant connection. Although Julia tries her best to ignore Chase and his advances, his charm wins her over in the end. When Chase writes a song for Julia, neither of them could possibly imagine what it will lead to. The song catches the attention of a music producer, sending their lives into a flurry of media attention. Julia never wanted a life of recognition, but her love for Chase is stronger than her need for privacy. Eventually, the positive press they receive turns into a tirade of lies that test their emotional strength. The paparazzi are unyielding in their quest to dig up the next story, constantly putting their own harmful spin on even the most mundane details of their lives. The out of control media turns a business trip into an escape from spousal abuse, and a mother fearing for her children's safety into a reckless drinking binge. Their children are dragged into the lies and rumors, as well.
Without giving too much away, the ending is something the reader will not be disappointed with. I was completely satisfied and really thought it was a fitting ending. It is the epitome of sacrifice and shows Julia's utter desperation to end the vicious circle of deceit. The lengths she is willing to leap to keep her family safe and out of the harmful world of gossip is not only inspiring, but heartbreaking as well.
Karen Pokras Toz has a wonderful writing style that draws the reader in instantly. She does such a fantastic job completely wrapping you up in the chaotic lives of both Julia and Chase, that you can't help but sympathize with them. I went on every emotional up and down that these characters went on. The story as a whole also makes you think of just how corrupt the media really is. They have the power to spin any story into a total fabrication of the truth, and to potentially destroy innocent lives.
This is a great book written by a great author and I would recommend it in a heartbeat!
March 27, 2014
I absolutely love the author’s style of writing. I was easily drawn into the store, and never lost interest throughout the book. Julia is a bookworm at heart, and is perfectly content staying home on the weekends, reading and studying, instead of partying. But her friend Robyn convinces her to go out one night to hear a local band, Spectrum, play. The scene was definitely not Julia’s cup of tea, but she did meet the hot lead singer, Chase. They were both attending the same college, and he was easy on the eyes to say the least. But she is focused on her studies, and turns down his advances. Until one day she caves and lets him take her out.
Julia never thought that one date would change her life forever. They quickly fell in love, and Chase is offered a record deal. She stands behind Chase, even though he decides to quit college to pursue his dream. She finishes with school, and they marry shortly thereafter.
For a girl who liked to stay out of the spotlight, Julia will have to learn to adjust real quickly. Her every move, with and without Chase, is always being photographed, and they often make headline news as the All-American Couple. They soon welcome a daughter and then a son into the world, but find it is hard to keep the paparazzi away from them, and all the nasty rumors that seem to make its way to the newspapers.
Julia and Chase find that being in the spotlight 24/7 is not all that it appears to be. They are forever protecting their children, squashing nasty rumors, and trying to make the marriage work with Chase’s ever busy tour schedule. But all good things must come to an end, and hard choices need to be made.
The ending is definitely not what I expected, but it was a nice twist. I greatly enjoyed this book, and look forward to another adult book from this author.
Julia never thought that one date would change her life forever. They quickly fell in love, and Chase is offered a record deal. She stands behind Chase, even though he decides to quit college to pursue his dream. She finishes with school, and they marry shortly thereafter.
For a girl who liked to stay out of the spotlight, Julia will have to learn to adjust real quickly. Her every move, with and without Chase, is always being photographed, and they often make headline news as the All-American Couple. They soon welcome a daughter and then a son into the world, but find it is hard to keep the paparazzi away from them, and all the nasty rumors that seem to make its way to the newspapers.
Julia and Chase find that being in the spotlight 24/7 is not all that it appears to be. They are forever protecting their children, squashing nasty rumors, and trying to make the marriage work with Chase’s ever busy tour schedule. But all good things must come to an end, and hard choices need to be made.
The ending is definitely not what I expected, but it was a nice twist. I greatly enjoyed this book, and look forward to another adult book from this author.
July 3, 2013
How would you handle suddenly being thrown into the spotlight?
Julia Alexander just wants to read. To lock herself away with her books and do well at college.
After being dragged on a disastrous night out with her friend Robyn she meets Chase. A college kid and lead singer of a band with high aspirations.
Dating for a while they declare their love for each other, not long after Chase is offered an opportunity that will send them and their personal lives into the spotlight.
Forced to make some tough decisions along the way Julia tries for her family’s sake to keep everything as normal as possible.
Realising there can only be one sacrifice left to make.
I really like the unique way this book is written. It chronicles the most important moments of these characters lives through the years rather than dragging the focus on just one.
Although it does skip through almost 20 years it flows really well almost like reading pages of a diary at times.
Julia and Chase are perfectly written to be together. The reader can feel their emotions as they go through each defining moment.
In parts I was almost shouting at the book hoping it would take a specific turn of events but in hindsight the ones written were just write for them.
The conclusion to this story really shocked me, it was definitely unexpected but was fitting to this story.
This book is a love story with a unique difference giving the reader a chance to empathise with celebrities to some extent.
This has become one of my new favourites.
Julia Alexander just wants to read. To lock herself away with her books and do well at college.
After being dragged on a disastrous night out with her friend Robyn she meets Chase. A college kid and lead singer of a band with high aspirations.
Dating for a while they declare their love for each other, not long after Chase is offered an opportunity that will send them and their personal lives into the spotlight.
Forced to make some tough decisions along the way Julia tries for her family’s sake to keep everything as normal as possible.
Realising there can only be one sacrifice left to make.
I really like the unique way this book is written. It chronicles the most important moments of these characters lives through the years rather than dragging the focus on just one.
Although it does skip through almost 20 years it flows really well almost like reading pages of a diary at times.
Julia and Chase are perfectly written to be together. The reader can feel their emotions as they go through each defining moment.
In parts I was almost shouting at the book hoping it would take a specific turn of events but in hindsight the ones written were just write for them.
The conclusion to this story really shocked me, it was definitely unexpected but was fitting to this story.
This book is a love story with a unique difference giving the reader a chance to empathise with celebrities to some extent.
This has become one of my new favourites.
November 7, 2013
Wow. Not sure what to say about this one. It was a quick read and I read it straight through....that's something I suppose. It was to a point realistic....that's something.... It was depressing.
Julia and Chase meet in college as their lives are just kicking off...dreams are coming true. We learn all about them and love their romance but then reality kicks in....
If I'm being 100% honest with myself, I probably wouldn't recommend this book and its not because it wasn't good. I don't mind heavy books but this one was downright depressing! And the ending.....well, it's a good thing this wasn't a paperback and I wasn't by a cliff....I assure you, I would have thrown it over.
With all this being said, the author is promising. I was to a point immersed in the story and characters. The author created feeling in me towards these characters. That's saying something. The only problem was, I ended up hating both Chase and Julia.....partially why this book would be over the cliff if read in paperback.
I'm sorry but no more than 3 stars. Read this if you are having one of those, "life sucks" kind of days....it'll just make it suck more because you'll be even more depressed.
3 stars or no stars, I will read this author again because regardless if this book was for me, the author is a good writer.
Julia and Chase meet in college as their lives are just kicking off...dreams are coming true. We learn all about them and love their romance but then reality kicks in....
If I'm being 100% honest with myself, I probably wouldn't recommend this book and its not because it wasn't good. I don't mind heavy books but this one was downright depressing! And the ending.....well, it's a good thing this wasn't a paperback and I wasn't by a cliff....I assure you, I would have thrown it over.
With all this being said, the author is promising. I was to a point immersed in the story and characters. The author created feeling in me towards these characters. That's saying something. The only problem was, I ended up hating both Chase and Julia.....partially why this book would be over the cliff if read in paperback.
I'm sorry but no more than 3 stars. Read this if you are having one of those, "life sucks" kind of days....it'll just make it suck more because you'll be even more depressed.
3 stars or no stars, I will read this author again because regardless if this book was for me, the author is a good writer.
March 29, 2014
Chasing Invisible by Karen Pokras Toz is a well written contemporary romance. It begins with Julia in college and focused on school. She isn't looking for a boyfriend, but Chase pursues her and they all in love. Chase is offered a record contract and his sudden fame is a little hard on Julia since she is a very private person. But she loves Chase and they marry. The story
gets interesting as they progress through married life and kids and have to deal with the issues of being public figures.
The story really captures the conflict between wanting to be successful and famous but also wanting your private life to be private. It also shows how stress can affect a married couple.
The story was well written and kept my interest. The characters were realistic and well developed.
I didn't understand some of the decisions that Julia made, especially when it came to her children...and that made it hard to relate to her sometimes. I also really didn't like the ending and the decision she made. I can't go into details about the decisions that I
had trouble relating to without writing spoilers.
Overall, this is a good story and it provides an interesting take on the lifestyle of the rich & famous.
gets interesting as they progress through married life and kids and have to deal with the issues of being public figures.
The story really captures the conflict between wanting to be successful and famous but also wanting your private life to be private. It also shows how stress can affect a married couple.
The story was well written and kept my interest. The characters were realistic and well developed.
I didn't understand some of the decisions that Julia made, especially when it came to her children...and that made it hard to relate to her sometimes. I also really didn't like the ending and the decision she made. I can't go into details about the decisions that I
had trouble relating to without writing spoilers.
Overall, this is a good story and it provides an interesting take on the lifestyle of the rich & famous.
July 8, 2013
Chasing Invisible is an interesting story. Chase and Julia are in love, the romance between the two is slow moving but believable. What happens next is something most people seem to forget about, the price of fame. Chase is so involved in his career that he falls prey to everything the music industry is known for. Meanwhile Julia is trying to have her own career and the paparazzi seem to just be everywhere and into everything.
The book itself is a slow but steady read. There were points that for me dragged on just way too much but all in all the overall story itself was a good one. The characters were believable and well written. The dialogue was at times boring and at times very entertaining and interesting.
For me I give this book 3.5 stars. Now that does not mean I didn't enjoy it, it just means that I wouldn't re-read the book. I liked the story, I liked the plot development, and while I hated the ending, I actually expected it. All in all,its a very good story and I do recommended the book for someone who enjoys the slower paced stories.
Details/Disclaimers: I received this book for my honest review. The free book held no determination on my final review.
The book itself is a slow but steady read. There were points that for me dragged on just way too much but all in all the overall story itself was a good one. The characters were believable and well written. The dialogue was at times boring and at times very entertaining and interesting.
For me I give this book 3.5 stars. Now that does not mean I didn't enjoy it, it just means that I wouldn't re-read the book. I liked the story, I liked the plot development, and while I hated the ending, I actually expected it. All in all,its a very good story and I do recommended the book for someone who enjoys the slower paced stories.
Details/Disclaimers: I received this book for my honest review. The free book held no determination on my final review.
June 25, 2013
I've read some of Toz's books for children, so I was eager to dive into her first novel for adults. Like in her other books, Toz knows her main character well and lets her take the reins with the storytelling. This allows the reader to truly know Julia and witness the journey through her eyes.
The main challenge I had with this novel is that I couldn't sympathize enough with Julia. I didn't relate well to her, so while there were moments where she became sympathetic, there weren't enough to make her likable to me. The ending also added to my dislike of the character.
That aside, Chasing Invisible is a very emotional story. Julia goes through a lot within the pages of this book. If you're someone who likes a high amount of conflict in a story, this would be ideal. Though this book wasn't my favorite, I would give another of Toz's books for this market a shot.
The main challenge I had with this novel is that I couldn't sympathize enough with Julia. I didn't relate well to her, so while there were moments where she became sympathetic, there weren't enough to make her likable to me. The ending also added to my dislike of the character.
That aside, Chasing Invisible is a very emotional story. Julia goes through a lot within the pages of this book. If you're someone who likes a high amount of conflict in a story, this would be ideal. Though this book wasn't my favorite, I would give another of Toz's books for this market a shot.
June 27, 2013
My Review is simple today: Karen takes you on a journey of a life we all think we want to life, we all think we desire. However, you get to explore the other side, understand relationships struggle, find out what family can do, and really fall in love with Julia and you understand her point of view and thoughts-but better yet, you get a personal connection. But what becomes is a story of discovery and growing up. I greatly enjoyed the story, and I even enjoyed the dialog, which is difficult for an author to write, and Karen tackled it beautifully! There are moments you will certainly be happy, sad, and...yes even tears will flow-and that is when you know-the book is incredible! 5 stars, and more!
If you've read the book-leave a comment and tell me something you've gained from it-I think for me, it was learning to appreciate life again!
If you've read the book-leave a comment and tell me something you've gained from it-I think for me, it was learning to appreciate life again!
March 29, 2014
I had many reactions to this book, and they were all deeply felt. Anger, outrage, sadness were all coming out of me when I finished this book. To the point that I had to explain the entire book to my husband, who doesn't like to read, and even he was confused by the ending. It is unexpected, but not in a good way to be. It goes against the main character's values and actions throughout the entire book. I am only giving it three stars because I feel like the ending was written just for shock value. It didn't match the main character at all. As I was reading the book I was confused as to what the problem was. Each story should have some sort of problem and solution; I was two thirds through the book and I still had no idea what the problem was. It is a slow read with a ridiculous ending.
July 30, 2013
Chasing Invisible covers a large time frame and the author does a fantastic job at hitting the main events of Julia's life without leaving the reader feeling like something has been missed in the time jumps.
Through the entire book I felt connected to Julia and identified with her thoughts, emotions, and reactions to the situations that we so outside of her control.
I hope that Karen Pokras Toz plans to write more novels for adults. Chasing Invisible is a strong adult debut for the author who is already well-known for her middle grade books.
Read my entire review at Library Girl Reads & Reviews
Through the entire book I felt connected to Julia and identified with her thoughts, emotions, and reactions to the situations that we so outside of her control.
I hope that Karen Pokras Toz plans to write more novels for adults. Chasing Invisible is a strong adult debut for the author who is already well-known for her middle grade books.
Read my entire review at Library Girl Reads & Reviews
March 23, 2014
I recommend reading this book. The style of writing was new to me, and I almost felt like I was watching a movie. This book covers most of Julia's life. She meets a boy, Chase, in college and they marry, then he gets a recording contract. His musical career takes off. Living in the spotlight, Julia can't grow accustomed to it, and everything she does to try to distance herself from it, makes the spotlight even brighter. I really like the title and how the meaning is cumulated at the very end. This book drew me into Julia's life and caused my emotions to peak and drop as I was reading. I was surprised by some things that happened and have differing opinions as to how Julia handled events. She's a strong character.
August 12, 2013
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was completely drawn into this novel from the first page. It really made me think about how a celebrity family deals with trying to live their lives constantly surrounded by the paparazzi. I thought about this book for days after I finished reading it. The characters were what I liked most about this book. They were fully fleshed out, and I was able to feel what they were feeling - their hopes and dreams, ups and downs. I believe that Julia acted very selfishly at the end, but overall, I completely enjoyed this novel.
March 23, 2014
Oh my word! Chasing Invisible by Karen Toz is an incredible read! Ms. Toz describes the emotions of the main character, Julia Anderson, so accurately that it drew me into the scenes and made me feel true empathy for her. Julia never imagined or desired a life in the spotlight, but when it becomes her reality, she is forced to examine every aspect of her life. I was drawn into the story that covers a large span of Julia’s life, and an unexpected ending left me wondering what I would have done in Julia’s situation.
I do not imagine that there will be a sequel to Chasing Invisible, but I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more works from Ms. Toz!
I do not imagine that there will be a sequel to Chasing Invisible, but I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more works from Ms. Toz!
August 12, 2013
I received the book free exchange for an honest review. Well here's my review. I instantly connected with the main character (Julia) cause I could relate to her. I could picture every scene and moment through out her college life and into adult hood. Just like Julia I also fell in love with Chase. I enjoyed reading and picturing their life together, through their ups and downs. It also gave me insight how being in the spotlight is not all its cracked up to be. Julia did not like being in the spotlight. Find out for your self how great this book is! I highly recommend it.,
March 24, 2014
This book is such an emotional rollercoaster, and the ending was perfect for the storyline. It was well written and nicely paced, though I occasionally wished there was a little more detail (but given how many years it spanned it was completely understandable as to why it didn’t). Over all, this was a great read that kept me turning page after page.
I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2013
Chase and Julia meet by chance and fall in love. Chance is hopping for a big break. Julia is a homebody bookworm.
The story shows you how fame and the paparzzi interferes in peoples lives and how they cope with it. It is well written and.covers many years. So as Julia grows you see changes as she matures.
The story shows you how fame and the paparzzi interferes in peoples lives and how they cope with it. It is well written and.covers many years. So as Julia grows you see changes as she matures.
May 8, 2014
Compelling story about a person suddenly thrust into the limelight as a result of her relationship with a musician who becomes a success. Her life is no longer her own as she is followed by paparazzi and her every move is scrutinized.
August 1, 2013
Wow.Wow.Wow. My heart aches for the happenings in this book. Good & Bad. What an ending! Such great writing, I couldn't put this book down. I truly was affected by this book all day after I read it.
September 7, 2013
I enjoyed this book until the end. The ending doesn't sit well with me or make sense.
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